Update news for 2011-10-28 - Attributes, extensions and sparks

Spotlight features

New spark system

In order to give sparks a gameplay role, we converted them into passive module-like items, which provide small permanent bonuses and are interchangeable. To get hold of a spark, you need proper authorization to use them (basically “unlock” them). This authorization process can either mean a one-time NIC payment, or reaching a certain level of relation with a corporation.

Once you’re authorized to use a spark, you have to install it, which costs varying amounts of money. Unlike authorization, which you only have to do once, changing between sparks always has an installation cost, even if you change back to one that you already had installed. There is also a 1-hour integration period, during which you can’t install another spark.

Extension downgrading

This patch also brings the ability to downgrade extension levels, and to get back the EP and NIC you have spent on them, with certain limitations. This feature is mainly intended for new players, to give them a chance to correct their mistakes while they are learning the game, so downgrading will only be available for 30 days after you create your first character. Since this is a new feature, though, we’re also providing all veteran players a 30-day grace period. This grace period starts today, and will end on 2011-11-28 00:00. Again, this grace period is for existing characters only, newly created characters will have 30 days from their creation time.

Read more about this topic and about the limitations in our game guide or the devblog.

New robot walk animations

We'll be gradually rolling out new walk animations for the smaller robots, starting in today's patch with the very first bot players encounter: the Arkhe. Read more and see a comparison video in our blog post, Skittering Arkhes.

Character creation

Change: Removed the attribute display.

Change: Removed the starting corporation selection stage. Your starting corporation will now be decided by which school you choose. (To avoid confusion: the starting corporation stage didn't give any extra extensions, only attributes, so it's not needed anymore.)

Change: Changed the description of sparks to provide info on their bonuses.

Gameplay

Change: Distress beacons will now spawn NPCs in a small area instead of one point.